– est. 1987 –

6 Favorite Screen to Stage Musicals

At Kids On Stage, we love a good show. Here are some of our favorite movies-turned-Broadway hits!

The Lion King

In this 1994 film, Simba, a lion cub, sets out on a journey to find himself. The film starred James Earl Jones, Matthew Broderick and Jonathan Taylor Thomas, and music from Rocket Man Elton John.

In 1997, a stage adaptation was produced for Broadway. It became the third longest running show on the Great White Way and is still running today. The King of the Jungle…more like the King of Broadway!

A movie adaptation of the stage show was made in 2007 starring John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Amanda Bynes and Zac Efron.

In 2016, a live telecast version aired on NBC starring Jennifer Hudson, Kristin Chenoweth, Ariana Grande, Dove Cameron, Martin Short and Harvey Fierstein. Wow- you definitely can’t stop that beat!

Beauty and the Beast

Following the success of The Little Mermaid (1989), Disney adapted the story of a beautiful, bookworm girl and a prince trapped in a beast’s body (Fun Fact: the film was originally conceived as a non-musical). The film went on to be the first animated film to be nominated for an Academy Award, winning Best Original Song, followed by numerous spin-off films, video games and more.

In 1994, Beauty and the Beast opened on Broadway, being the first Disney stage production. At the 1994 Tony Awards, the show was nominated for nine awards taking home Best Costume Design.

In 2017, Disney released a live action remake of the animated classic. The film features Harry Potter’s Emma Watson as Belle, along with Emma Thompson, Stanley Tucci, Josh Gad, Ewan McGregor and Audra McDonald. An on-screen party with our favorite characters, songs and stars? Be Our Guest!

Matilda

Based on the novel by Ronald Dahl, the film features a child genius with telekinetic powers…what?! Matilda has a thirst for learning, but very unsupportive parents. When she finally is allowed to go to school, she’s greeted by her loving teacher, Miss Honey, and terrifying principle, Miss Trunchbull.

In 2011, a musical adaptation of Dahl’s novel premiered in London’s West End. In 2013, the show moved to Broadway and ran until early 2017. As the production currently has tours all over the world, rumor has it a film adaptation of the musical may be in the works. Revolting Children may take over the world!

In 1982, a stage musical adaptation was produced. In 1986, a film version of the stage musical made it’s way to the screen starring Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Steve Martin and Bill Murray. Most recently, there’s been talk of a remake. Who else is excited for the return of Audrey II?

Sister Act

Whoopi Goldberg stars as the hilarious lounge singer-turned-nun in this 1992 comedy about a woman on the run from the mob. The film also stars Maggie Smith, Kathy Najimy and Harvey Keitel.

In 2006, a stage adaptation was performed in Pasadena, CA, later opening on London’s West End and eventually on Broadway, with Raven Symone replacing Patina Miller who originated the role.